Study Abroad and Cultural Exchange program on Sustainable Tourism in Thailand

Semester: Intersession / 3 credit hours

Course numbers: MGMT 254 (Global Experience), INTB 205 (International Business), INTB 406 (International business study abroad), HONOR 340 (Honors Colloquium: Social Science)

Program fee: $950 (after the $500 scholarship from IGB)

Tuition fee: 3 credits summer course (rates vary based on the student’s entry year)

Course description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity with real impacts on the local communities. Through this study abroad program, students will learn about the sustainable tourism industry in Thailand as well as the impacts of social/community enterprises on local communities. Students will visit the world-famous tourist destination in Thailand, Krabi, and learn about local community enterprises as well as their products/services. The South of Thailand especially in Krabi province is the center of sufficiency economy community enterprise where locals are encouraged by the Thai government to start businesses that are self-sufficient, use the locally available resources as well as engage with the community. Students will work in teams to provide feedback on local products/services and strategic business recommendations to social enterprises and entrepreneurs. During the trip, there will be lectures, seminars, presentations, field trips, guest speakers, discussion activities, and experiential-learning projects to take advantage of the opportunities.

DOWNLOAD THE SYLLABUS

(Updated on 10/9/2024)

Click below to join the virtual information sessions

There is no virtual info session scheduled at this time.

Deadline to submit the application: December 1st, 2024. Due to high demand in the previous year, students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early.

The application is closed

Examples of Activities during the Trip

Reflection video by Stephen Parker (2025 Study Abroad Thailand student)

Walailak University – Partner university in Thailand

Walailak University (WU) is a comprehensive and research-intensive university in the historic southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. On the WU campus, students live in a picturesque environment while having access to facilities including the sports complex, tennis and badminton courts, and a fitness center. WU actively endorses sustainable development by implementing power-saving and eco-friendly policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is airfare included in the program fee?

Ans: No, the program fee includes accommodations, transportation, activities, and some meals. The airfare, which is approximately $1,600 – $1,800, is not included.

How much is the tuition fee for this course?

Ans: The specific tuition fee typically varies based on the student’s entry year and corresponding tuition guarantee. It is typically about $1,500 (please check with Student Accounts for the accurate tuition fee).

Is this trip only for College of Business students?

Ans: No. Although the trip and the course are about international business, non-business students are encouraged to join the trip. I believe non-business students can provide diverse perspectives, which will enhance the overall experience of the trip.

If I put down the deposit, can it be refunded?

Ans: The last day of the full refund is on January 15.

How many students will receive the scholarships? and how much is the scholarship?

Ans: The Institute for Global Business (IGB) will award $500 scholarship per student to all students who go on the trip. That is why the trip is limited to 15 students.

I am graduating in May. Can I still join the trip?

Ans: Since this is a for-credit class, only current students who enroll in this class for credits can join.

Selected testimonials

“To say this trip changed my life sounds like an exaggeration, but in this case, it’s truly not. I was apprehensive at first to travel so far with a professor I had not had with a group of students whom I’ve never met. However, it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made for myself. I learned lessons that will last me a lifetime and got to know so many new people and make memories that I will cherish forever. Not to mention the one of a kind experience we got to have with Dr. Sydney, leading us to the unknown parts of Thailand and letting us fully immerse ourselves for the best experience possible. I am forever thankful to have gotten to know a whole new world and continue to tell stories about my trip for a lifetime.” (Jillian Baker, 2nd year, political science/pre-law major)

“It’s amazing that sometimes we’ve been so accustomed to something that we fail to see its weaknesses, but to have students come in just for a few hours and offer such fresh perspectives is truly a great experience for us.” (Surak Mungsathong, Thon Hong Mangosteen Large-Scale Community Enterprise, community partner)

Students’ LinkedIn posts about the trip

Study Abroad Thailand 2025 photo compilation by Professor Steve Ash

Research has found that American students who participated in this program reported higher cultural intelligence, global competency, and openness to diversity after the program completion.

Chinchanachokchai et al. (2025)
Click HERE to read the research article

For more information or if you have questions, feel free to contact me through the CONTACT ME form or email at schinchana@uakron.edu